i)D 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Cliap. Copyright No. 

Sliel^S.3 5 L I 

^rt^S5 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

/^f7 



SILVANUS AND RUTH, 



OR THE 



OPERATIONS OF PROVIDENCE 



WITH RE5PECT TO 



HATRIMONY, 



BY 



REV. JOSIAH NICHOLAS KIDD. 



PARSONS, KANSAS: 

The Foley Printing Company 

1897 

A. 









Copyrighted by Rev. J. N. Kidd, 1897. 



PREFACE. 



The most ot this little poem was com- 
posed about ten 3'ears ag-o. By several 
friends, it was then pronounced worthy of 
publication. The author, however, not 
being" sufficiently satined, and not having- 
time to finish and revise it. laid it aside for 
some future time. The passing- years being- 
so heavily laden with other work, the poem 
was compelled to remain in solitude until 
about two weeks ag-o, when Providence 
opened up the way and the Muses came 
ag-ain to assist in revising- and finishing- it. 
It is now sent forth to the public with the 
prayer that it will g-lorify God, and be enter- 
taining- and helpful to both young- and old. 

J. N. KIDD, 

Parsons, Kansas, June 15, 1897. 



Go, my first born little book, 
Go to ev'ry place and nook. 
Go to ev'ry girl and boy, 
Go with comfort, peace and joy, 
Go with entertainment true, 
Go with good instruction, too; 
Go to youth and hoary age. 
Go to poet and to sage. 
Go to all beneath the sun. 
Go with blessings for each one. 



TTti old Ohio's grand domain, 

Where valleys, rich with fruit and g-rain. 
Lie down b.etween the sloping- hills 
To drink from rivers, creeks and rills, 
That crops may on their bosom g-row, 
A child was born not hig-h nor low. 
But like the creek between its banks, 
He took his place in human ranks. 
'Twas not in April nor in May, 
When nature looked sublime and g^ay, 
And greeted man with smiling- face. 
And welcomed him with fond embrace. 
But when cold winter, bleak and bare, 
With snowy feet and long- white hair. 
Stepped in ahead the vernal spring-. 
And deadened every li*^nng- thing-. 
While nature shivered with the cold, 
And parents both were growing- old. 
The g-uardian ang-el came with joy. 
And took control their little bov- 
He guarded him throug-h infant days, 
From all the dang-er of his ways, 



And followed him throug-h coming- years, 

And wiped awaj his childish tears. 

Then by and by with swiftest g^ait, 

He searched for him a future mate. 

He left him in the safest care, 

Of other ang-els brig-ht and fair, 

And spread his wing-s and flew away 

Upon an early day in Ma}^, 

To look among- the daughters fair, 

Of rosy cheeks and auburn hair» 

For one who would a help-meet be. 

And bring- the boy felicity. 

Throug-hout the state of Ohio, 

And then. New Eng-land, he doth g-o : 

And while he's sailing- swift and fast, 

He meets another unsurpassed 

In flowing- robes of spotless white, 

And face resplendent with delig-ht. 

They both in salutation bend, 

And seem to fully comprehend 

The other's thoug-hts and hopes and aim, 

And that their mission is the same. 



Then with one voice they both exclaim— 
Their hearts with heaven's love aflame- 
Let us g"o down to yonder mount, 
And on its summit there recount 
Our work, our mission and our aims, 
And also learn each other's names. 
Then round and round and lower down. 
They sailed in long- white flowing- g-own, 
Until they reached the little hill, 
(Which nestled by a g-ushing- rill ) 
All covered oe'r with forest trees 
That rustled in the g-entle breeze. 
So down they sat upon the g-round, 
On top that lovely shady mound. 
And like two lovers side by side. 
Talked of a future g-room and bride. 
With loving- hearts and sparkling^ ^yes, 
They sweetl}- talk of marriag-e ties. 
And tell their names and station too; 
Also the work they came to do. 

Fidelia, was the name of one, 

Who shone with brilliance like the sun, 

7 



And Rupert, was the other's name, 
Who was of g-reat ang-elic fame. 

While human sex does not belong-, 
To heaven's brig-ht ang-elic throng-, 
Yet may we not to them ascribe, 
(To suit the purpose of the scribe, 
And limitations of our state, 
While subject to this blessed fate) 
Some male and female qualities, 
Less human technicalities ? 
Still other reasons mig-ht be named 
To keep the scribe from being- blamed, 
But they will all appear in time, 
Expressed in story and in rhyme. 
But now the story must unfold. 
And all its wondrous facts be told. 

The ang-el of the sterner kind 
Described the g-irl he hoped to find ; 
And as he talked of this and that, 
The fem'nine ang-el raptly sat, 
And like a modest maiden dame, 



Exclaimed, " I know her, and her name. 
I saw her born of humble birth, 
The sweetest g-irl on all the earth. 
With e^^es both dyed in heaven's blue, 
And hair of purest auburn hue. 
Thoug-h vet a babe in mother's arms, 
I see in her the future charms. 
Which, like the fabled Siren muse. 
Will never let her husband loose. 
But hold him fast in loves embrace 
And pour sweet smiles into his face, 
Until relentless death shall break 
The ties which purest love did make. 
From heaven, I was sent to earth, 
As g-uardian ang-el from her birth. 
To g-uide her throug-h this world of sm, 
And teach her how the crown to win 
Of female virtue pure and white 
Until she basks in heaven's ligfht. 
I left her in another's care 
So I would feel no doubt or fear, 
And started out among- the sons, 



To watch the course of life that runs 
In sweeping currents through their veins, 
Producing muscles, bones and brains. 
From which the actions of their life 
Spring forth in either peace or strife, 
To see if I could find a youth, 
Prepared by God for little Kuth." 

''Praise God, Fidelia," Rupert said. 

With crown of gold raised from his head : 

•' The little boy I have in care, 

Of ruddy visage, bright and fair, 

And brawn and muscle firm and strong. 

And mind intent to shun the wrong, 

I think will be a proper youth. 

To mate your darling little Ruth. 

If you will come and go with me 

To where the oak and poplar tree, 

The sugar maple and the beech, 

With loud and shrilling voices schreech, 

And gently wave their vernal fans, 

And beckon to the other clans 



10 



Which round them like an army strong-, 
With hands so small and arms so long-, 
To join with them in g"lad refrain 
Because the Spring- has come again, 
I'll show jou where Silvanus dwells, 
A^mong- the forest trees and dells. '' 

"I will, " Fidelia quickly said, 
Instinct with sure success ahead. 

*' Then let us," Rupert said, " arise 
Up toward the blue and tranquil skies, 
And through the lovely azure plain, 
Sail oe'r yon lofty mountain chain, 
And toward Ohio haste away, 
For it is now the close of day. " 

Then from the lovely shady mount. 
Where on they sat in old Vermont, 
They raised their wings and took their flig-ht 
In flowing robes of spotless white, 
Which floated back beneath their feet. 
Upon the gentle breeze most sweet. 



With long- extended glossy wings 
All covered oe'r with shining rings ; 
And crowns of beauty on their heads 
Adorned with pearls on golden threads, 
And faces brilliant as the sun, 
When he his course doth proudly run, 
They glided on with lightning speed, 
Oe'r mountains tall and flow'ry mead, 
Until they reached the humble dome, 
W^here young Silvanus made his home. 
The sun had run his daily race, 
And hid his bright refulgent face, 
That other worlds might come in sight. 
To beautify the sombre night ; 
And Ebon from his starry throne, 
With many blessings all his own, 
Had rocked the busy world to sleep, 
And from the heat of day did keep 
It resting in the gentle breeze, 
That played among the forest trees, 
When these two angels ope'd the door 
And gently walked across the floor 



12 



Until the}^ reached the trundle bed, 

On which the boy in slumber laid. 

There brig-ht Fidelia stood and g-azed, 

With heart in prayer to heaven raised, 

For wisdom and for help divine, 

To ascertain the Lord's desig^n. 

Her prayer was heard, the answer came. 

And lit the future with its flame. 

With microscopic sig-ht she read 

Just how the little boy was bred. 

And saw his life in conduct flow 

Throug'h all his journey here below. 

With pensive eyes she looked beyond, 

And saw his future as it dawned 

Into deportment, act and thoug-ht, 

And how he would be trained and taught. 

Her heart with joy beg-an to swell, 

And sparkling- eyes began to tell. 

That she had found the precious prize. 

Of proper ag-e and proper size, 

In that delightfnl ruddy youth, 

Prepared by God for little Ruth; 

13 



And turning- round took Rupert's arm, 
And g-lided out without alarm, 
To have a pleasant talk with him, 
Upon a long- and swing-ing limb, 
Which from a beach tree reached afar. 
As if to see a shining star. 
Upon that limb they sweetly sat, 
And talked of this and then of that. 
Concerning- young- Silvanus' life, 
And she, who was to be his wife. 

With modest voice, Fidelia said, 
*'Your boy I've seen and fully read, 
And found in him the virtues true, 
Which will, the life of Ruth imbue. 
With satisfaction joy and love. 
Allied to that in realms above. 
And now if you will go with me, 
We'll leave this sweet delightful tree, 
w\nd this sublime ambrosial land, 
Where Cupid waves his magic wand. 
To captivate Calliope, 



The muse who reig-ns oe'r poetry; 
And to the west we'll quickly g"o, 
Where rivers throug-h the prairies flow, 
And fertile plains like oceans broad, 
To beautify the works of God, 
Spread out in g-randfcur like the skies, 
When on their bosom no cloud flies ; 
And there upon the prairie strand, 
Near where it joins a small woodland, 
I'll show you Ruth's abiding* place. 
And let you read her lovely face." 

"With pleasure I will g^o with you," 
Said Rupert, *' for I must be true 
To him whose happiness I seek. 
And he of whom I love to speak." 

Then from the limb they rose aloft, 
Upon the g-entle breeze so soft, 
That even nig-ht-birds could not hear 
Their silent motions throug-h the air; 
And toward the west in rapid flight. 
They sailed on that delig-htful nig"ht 



To Illinois, the destined place, 

Toward which thej? now had set their face. 

The sky was clear, the air was calm, 

And filled with nature's sweetest balm. 

The queen of nig-ht was on her throne. 

And in sublimest beauty shone, 

With full round face of amber glow. 

Upon the landscapes far below. 

Ten thousand worlds appeared in space, 

With each a brig-ht and shining- face, 

To beautify the vernal night, 

On which the angles took their flight. 

The scenes below and scenes above, 

They pass between on wings of love, 

And sing with joy this g-lad refrain 

While g-liding- through the azure plain : 

" How bright the love of God doth shine, 

Upon the earth below ! 

For all the stars of heav'n combine. 

His loving face to show. 

Oh see the worlds in splendor roll, 

Like flaming- balls of fire, 

16 



As God unfolds his shining- scroll, 

To let the earth admire ! 

Let shining- worlds his praises sing- ; 

Let ang-els join the choir ; 

Let all the earth its homag-e brin^, 

In love's sublime attire. 

Sing- on, sing- on, Oh universe, 

In endless praise, sing- on, 

And let your song- God's love rehearse, 

Throug-h Jesus Christ His Son." 

So on they g'o with flaming- zeal, 
Their eyes ag-low v ith heaven's weal, 
And song's of praise that far excel. 
What Orpheus could write or teli, 
And conversation free and pure, 
Concerning- their g-reat overture, 
Until the;y reach the cottage home. 
Where g-uardian ang-els love to roam, 
To catch a g-Hmpse of little Ruth, 
To see it she might be, forsooth, 
The g-irl they long-ed and hoped to find 
To mate the boy they left behind. 

17 



The weary world was still asleep, 
Excepting- those compelled to weep, 
Because of death's relentless stroke, 
Which had their social circle broke. 

The humble cottag-e snugly stood, 
Near where the prairie joined the wood, 
Upon a g-entle sloping- mound, 
With ornamental trees around. 
So in they went without a noise — 
Their hearts athrob with untold joys — 
And soon they stood beside the bed, 
On which the lovely Ruth was laid, 
Between her parents safe from harm. 
And sleeping- on her mother's arm. 

There Rupert stood with g-leaming- eyes, 
Fixed on the g-irl, and then the skies. 
For well he knew, that from above. 
True wisdom, like the Holy Dove, 
Must come and throw prophetic light, 
Upon his vision and his sight. 
The keen prophetic vision came, 

18 



And lit the future with its flame, 
The same as when Fidelia prayed, 
And young- Silvanus life portrayed. 
He saw her life through every stage, 
From childhood down to ripe old age. 
And read her thoughts and motives too, 
From which he very quickly knew. 
That he had found the girl he sought. 
With all the female virtues fraught, 
Who would a faithful helpmeet be, 
And bring his boy felicity. 
With smiling face he turned about. 
And with Fidelia glided out 
To have another talk with her. 
About the things that should occur 
To cause the boy and girl to meet, 
When preparations were complete. 

So down upon the lawn they sat 

Beneath the starry skies to chat; 

And there upon the lovely grass 

They talked of what should come to pass- 



19 



How boy and girl should both be led — 
Until the time that they should wed. 

The time and all were fixed upon, 
When Kupert said; "I must be g-one; 
But let us first, before we pa; t, 
In prayer and praise lift up our heart 
To Him whose will we love to do, 
And He whose face we love to view, 
And who has blessed us with success, 
And filled our cup with happiness. " 
Then down upon the grass they knelt, 
The sight of which a heart would melt, 
And offered up a thankful prayer, 
Which bounded upward through the air 

They g-ently rose from off their knees, 
And talked awhile beneath the trees, 
Like friends before they separate, 
When one's about to emigrate. 

At length their conversation closed, 
And Rupert first farewells proposed: 

30 



Rupert: 

"Farewell, Fidelia, I must g-o 

Fack to my charg^e in Ohio. 

May heavens joys thy bosom swell, 

As I ag-ain, say, fare thee well ; 

And may you crown the life of Ruth, 

With peace and joy and love and truth."' 

Fidelia : 

" Dear Rupert, I shall ne'er forget 
The time when yesterday we met, 
And talked about our little pets, 
And crowned them with such epithets. 
That we, without a doubt believed 
Our undertaking- was accheived. 
And then, our supramundane flig-ht, 
On thi.^ delig-htful vernal nig-ht. 
Has been so full of peace and joy, 
Because we've found our g-irl and bo}^ 
That I must say my heart doth sing", 
Moreg-ladly than the birds of Spring-. 
And now we part to meet ag-ain 



21 



upon this lovely western plain, 
When jou and young- Silvanus come, 
i^ nd locate near Ruth's happy home. 
So fare-thee-well, with g-reatest cheer, 
Come see me once or twice a year ; 
Then I will come and visit you. 
And thus we can our work review." 

Rupert : 

'' Well said, Fidelia, fare thee- well, 
The joy I feel no tongfue can tell ; 
But now I can no longer stay, 
For long before the break of day, 
I must Silvanus' dwelling reach 
Among the maples and the beech. 

Then Rupert spread his glossy wing-s, 
All covered o'er with shining rings, 
And like a brilliant lig-htening-flash, 
Without its rolling thunder clash. 
Or like a meteoric stone 
From some exploded planet thrown, 
He went a s: iling- throug^h the air, 



With such a glory, such a glare, 
That bright Fidelia stood and gazed. 
Until the ground between was raised 
Above the line He sailed upon, 
And he below the sky was gone. 

The moon was still upon her throne, 
When faithful Rupert, all unknown 
To those within the house asleep, 
Across the floor did gently sweep, 
And took control his boy again, 
To lead him through this world of sin. 

Both fam'lies rose at break of day, 
Unconscious of the grand display 
Ot holy angels in the room, 
With happy faces all abloom 
With heavens bright immortal youth, 
And love, and wisdom, joy and truth. 
The morning birds began to sing, 
And make the woods with music ring. 
The sun arose with smiling face, 
Expressive of benignant grace, 



And shed his g'lory on the earth, 
And to another day g-ave birth. 
The busy world, renewed by rest, ^ 

Again its muscles puts to test. 
The wheels of commerce roll along- 
With rattling-, clanging-, ring-ing- song. 
And thus the world from day to day. 
Rolled onward in its destined way, 
Imparting- poverty and wealth, 
Affliction, sorrow, joy and health. 
According- to a higher plan 
Which man can only partly scan. 

Amid these scenes of g-rief and joy. 
The angels raised their girl and boy, 
And led them in the ordained way. 
To meet on their appointed day. 

In early youth they sought the Lord, 
Believed in Christ and in his Word, 
Obtained the pardon of their sin. 
And started out the crown to win 



Of everlasting- life and peace, 
Where pleasures evermore increase. 

To district school they both were sent, 
And there their time was partly spent 
^hile passing- throug-h the early stag-e 
^f happy youths florescent age. 

The earth rolled on around the sun, 
To where it first its race begun, 
And then ag-ainit took its flig-ht. 
Around the central orb of lig-ht. 
And so continued once a year. 
Completing- its ordained career, 
Producing- seasons richly fraught 
With blessing-s which it wisely sought 
In regions of celestial heights. 
For man, the object of its flights. 

A few such revolutions passed. 

The boy and g-irl arrive at last. 

To that important stag-e of life. 

When thoug-hts of husband and of wife, 

Become the silent motor force 



Propelling- them along- the course 

That leads to that connubial state, 

Which they, with joj, anticipate. 

Unconscious of the others name. 

And knowing not the others aim. 

Nor what the country or the place, 

Or what the visag-e of the face, 

They both, at length, arise and start, 

Though many hundred miles apart, 

Upon the hymenean route, 

"With secret purpose fixed and mute, 

To seek the partner of their life — 

The husband true and faithful wife. 

They thought sometimes that they had 

found. 
The one to whom they could be bound, 
But something always interfered, 
And all their present prospects seared. 
They calmly bore the consequence, 
Believing- that God's providence 
Was g-uiding them in all their way, 
And that he would, some future day, 

26 



Reveal the one they hoped to find, 
Alike in ways, alike in mind. 
Reflection soon revealed the fact. 
That they the age and wisdom lacked 
To fit them for the marriage state. 
Which they in haste did meditate; 
For tis a fact by ag-e well known, 
That love, when first upon the throne. 
Is like a vacillating queen. 
Who changes with the changing scene. 

The days in quick succession fly. 

The weeks and months grow old and die, 

And ere another year rolls round, 

A happy fam'ly westward bound. 

Is seen on upland and on plain. 

With young Silvanus in the train. 

The covered wagon rolls along, 

Conveying that domestic throng, 

To Illinois, the western state, 

To which they aimed to emigrate. 

At length they reached the destined place. 

Toward which they all had set their face. 



37 



And settled near the town of Booth, 
Not more than twenty miles from Ruth. 

The aag-els now and then had met, 
Without a failure to regret. 
For holy angels never err 
Like human beings everywhere : 
And now, they are again to meet 
When plans are all about complete. 
Fidelia comes to be the guest, 
And welcome Rupert to the west. 

'Twas on a dark and stormy night 
When all the stars from human sight 
Were hid behind a thunder cloud. 
Whose cannonading was so loud, 
That some awoke in great dismay, 
And some began to fear anci pray. 
Its darting flames, the heavens rent. 
As if it devastation meant. 
But yet the angels did not fear 
The mighty storm or lightning spear — 
Nor all the shafts from heaven thrown- 

28 



For dang-er was to them unknown. 
Silvanus' parents sieved with frig-ht, 
Arose in haste the lamp to lig-ht ; 
But Rupert whispered in their ear : 
"Lie down in peace and do not fear, 
Or wake the children from their sleep, 
For God is near their souls to keep. 
He g-uides the lig-htning- in its course; 
Controls the wind's vehement force: 
So trust in His almighty arm, 
And he will save 3'ou from all harm. " 
Then back to bed they went again. 
And heard no more the wind and rain. 

Ere long- Fidelia came and knocked, 
And Kupert quick the door unlocked. 
They both with joy each other g-reet, 
In tones with melody replete, 
And then they talk of providence 
In lofty strains of eloquence. 
Which poets, thouqrh they all combine, 
And call upon the Muses nine, 



Can only poorly imitate, 
And only partially relate. 

Fidelia in her loving- style, 
Her face illumined with a smile. 
Describes her journey througfh the storm, 
And how its forces did perform. 

Fidelia: 

"With yonder cloud I came to-nig-ht. 

To see the brig-ht electric lig-ht 

By atmospheric force displayed. 

And by dynamic force conveyed 

In zig-zag- streams of living- fire. 

Disporting- with Uterpe's choir 

Across the heavens with a noise, 

Expressive of transporting- joys. 

Above, below and alTaround, 

I heard the praise of God resound, 

And saw his glory flashing- forth, 

From east to west, from south to north; 

And while I came on throug-h the storm, 

Beholding- natures laws perform 

30 



The will of him who reig-ns supreme, 
And who devised the wondrous scheme, 
My admiration g-rew so great, 
That I began to celebrate, 
With demonstrations of delight, 
His goodness, glory and his might. 
And chant the music of the spheres. 
Which fell so sweetly on my ears." 

Rupert: 

"I'm glad, Fidelia, you have come. 

To see me in my western home. 

I saw you coming in the cloud. 

And heard your voice resounding loud 

Amidst that labyrinthal scene. 

The like of which I've often seen ; 

And every time I see the sight, 

It fills my heart with new delight. 

But now, Fidelia, while I love 

To talk about those scenes above, 

And how Omnipotence controls 

The storm which frightens human souls. 

But fills the angels with delight 

31 



As they behold the wondrous sight, 

I must, our conversation turn, 

To something- which doth more concern 

Our mission to this mundane sphere. 

To guide a g^irl and boy's career 

Until their earthly race is run. 

And they ascend above the sun." 

Fidelia : 

"For this, dear Rupert, I have come. 
And this, my long exordium 
Was to the subject introduce, 
And from it, then, the fact deduce. 
That Providence, in love, controls, 
Not only storms but human souls. 
When they are seeking for a mate. 
Though some men call it luck and fate. 
But yet the fact remains the same. 
And God will glorify his name 
In each divine unfolding plan, 
Concerning weak and sinful man. 
The first man, Adam, found a mate, 
But not by chance or luck or fate ; 



For God prepared her for the man, 
According- to his ordained plan. 
This same eternal purpose runs 
To all his multitudes of sons — 
That God with wisdom and with care, 
Doth for each soul a mate prepare — 
That in the sacred marriage rite, 
Most men and women shall unite. 
And if the}^ seek with cautious care, 
They'll find that God is always near 
To give direction to their feet 
That they, the proper one may meet." 

Rupert ; 

" ' Tis true, Fidelia," Rupert said, 
" That men and women are to wed, 
And if they wed with proper care. 
They'll have no cause to shed a tear. 
Or to regret their marriage vow ; 
For love will be the fruitful bough 
That yields a pure domestic bliss. 
And pardons every word amiss. 
Their lives will soon melt into one 



Beneath the warm refulgent sun — 
That brightest orb in realms above — 
Domestic, and true christian love. 
Their peace will like a river flow, 
Through all their journey here below, 
Enlarging as it flows along, 
Through realms of sorrow or of song. 
We have a match like this to make. 
Which naught but death can ever break — 
A match which God himself hath planned, 
As they will some day understand. 
A few more years and they shall meet, 
And form a union pure and sweet. 

Fidelia • 

"Yes, Rupert, what you say is true. 

Such cautious people neyer rue 

The vow the}^ made to love and share. 

The others joy and grief and care. 

Those matches made alone by self. 

For worldly gain or paltry pelf. 

And those made too with undue haste, 

Without regard to proper taste, 

34 



And those who've been deceived also 
By lovers false and outward show, 
Are always sure to end their course, 
In woetul strife or in divorce. 
If they would only stop and think, 
Before they-reach the fatal brink, 
What consequences it involves. 
Which neither life nor time absolves. 
They, then, would heed the voice within 
Which tells them how to seek and win 
A partner of intrinsic worth, 
Made such by nature and by birth ; 
Or if they'd heed their angel guard. 
Who labors with them, long- and hard, 
Or even take the good advice 
Of those their seniors more than thrice. 
Who've lived to see the bitter strife 
Of injudicious married life. 
They'd have occasion to rejoice, 
And never would regret their choice." 

Rupert : 

" 'Tis true, Fidelia, and we know 

36 



That wealth, with all its pomp and show, 

Can not evolve a true manhood — 

Though wealth when not abused, is good. 

And necessary in its place 

To help advance the human race — 

But yet 'tis virtue makes the man, 

Because it doth his motives scan. 

And makes them clean and pure and true. 

So nothing" evil may ensue. 

Fidelia : 

" Yet Rupert, there is something more, 

"Which human nature must adore 

Before it can attain the height 

Of perfect manhood pure and white. 

By nature man is all defiled, 

Because he was by sin beguiled. 

There's nothing that can extricate 

The creature from his fallen state. 

And purify his moral tone. 

But Christianity alone." 

Rupert : 

*' Of course Fidelia, this is true, 

36 



And man cannot the fact undo. 

The moral standard of the world, 

Which learned sag-es have unfurled — 

Though much of it I can commend, 

Because it doth not God offend — 

While it sets forth a moral plan 

To make an upright honest man, 

Can never pbw'r divine impart, 

To purify the human heart. 

It is a fact, divine and sure. 

That man, in order to be pure, 

Must have his heart renewed bj grace,^ 

And with true faith and love embrace 

The All Sufficient Son of God, 

Y/ho did the sinner's winepress trod." 

Fidelia : 

" Religion is the source divine 

Of all those blessings which combine 

To make man happ}^, wise and good 

In 3'outli or age or strong manhood; 

And if the nymphs, who contemplate 

A leap into the marriage state. 



37 



Would only look for christain fruit 

In those who ply the courtship suit, 

They would not make the great mistake, 

Which causes many hearts to ache ; 

Or, vice versa, if the swains. 

Would always take the proper pains. 

They would not let the vain coquettes 

Deceive them with their epithets. 

For they would look for christain maids 

Whose moral lustre never fades. 

The swain and nymph we have in care, 

Do each these christain virtues share, 

And therefore, both of them shall find, 

A union true of heart and mind." 

This topic done, Fidelia said: 

" Five happy hours have quickly fled 

In sweet communion here with you; 

And now I must bid you adieu 

And to my happy post repair, 

For morning's dawn will soon be here. 

Rupert : 

^'But dear Fidelia, let me first. 



Repeat the truth you first rehearsed ; 
That Providence supremely reig-us 
O'er all these low terrestrial plains, 
With such extensive amplitude, 
And such sublime solicitude. 
That man cannot its height ascend, 
Or to its depth profound descend ; 
And neither can the ang-els see 
Its deep and vast immensity : 
But we can see much more than man. 
How God unfolds his rig-hteous plan 
In everything- that appertains 
To human joys or human pains; 
And since the sacred marriag-e rite. 
Contributes to the worlds delig-ht, 
God's providence to it extends. 
And to it all its blessings lends. 
The ang-els do not wed, you know, 
Like human being-s here below; 
But yet our unions suit our state, 
And satisfy us with our fate. 
To man alone, its blessing-s come. 



And ang-els can not all them sum ; 
But still we know they must be sweet, 
"With peace and hope and joys replete. 

Fidelia : 

Dear Rupert this transporting- theme, 
Doth with increasing- intVest teem. 
But I must now bid you adieu, 
And close this pleasant interview." 

Rupert : 

"Farewell Fidelia, may our youth 

Continue in the way of truth. 

Oft now with pleasure we shall meet, 

And often now each other greet." 

The storm was o'er, the clouds were gone, 
The twinkling stars in beauty shone. 
The waning moon had -just appeared. 
With more than half her visage bleared. 
And twilight, morning's herald gay, 
Proclaimed the fast approaching day 
When Ruperts fair celestial guest, 

40 



In heavens brig^ht apparel dressed, 
Arose into the ether plain, 
And sped her way toward home ag-ain: 
And as she swiftly sailed along- 
She sang- an angel's mission song-: 

"Oh how blest the angels mission 
To this fallen world below. 
Which is bowed in deep submission 
To Apollyons reig-n of woe ; 
Sin has marred its ancient beauty, 
Crushed the heart of man with g-rief, 
Caused him to neglect his duty. 
And has g-iven no relief. 

We are here with saints defending- 
God's eternal right to reig-n. 
And with mighty fiends contending-. 
For his king-dom's lost domain ; 
Soon Immanuel will be reig-ning- 
In the new created earth, 
Not a fiend or foe remaing. 
And no pain or woe or death. 

41 



Then the joyful acclamation, 
Shall be heard by one and all : — 
This is now full restoration, 
And redemption from the fall ; 
Alleluiah, blest condition! 
Glory, honor to our king-! 
Alleluiah, blest fruition! 
All ye saints and ang-els sing-." 

This thoug-ht had so her mind eng-rossed, 
That when she reached her happy post. 
She still was sing-ing- loud and strong- • 
But human ears heard not the song-. 

Their plans beg-in to soon unfold, 
In ways both strange and manifold. 
The youth's, impelled by strong- desire, 
A hig-her knowledg-e to acquire. 
Go forth with expectations rife 
To drink the cup of colleg-e life. 
But ere their minds were satisfied, 
They felt compelled to lay aside, 
(Thoug-h not without solicitude) 

42 



The course of study they pursued. 

But thoug-h their school day plans were 

g-one, 
Yet strong- impulsions bore them on, 
As anxious seekers in pursuit 
Of wisdom's choice and blessed fruit. 
As students they continued still 
To drink their knowledge from the quill 
Of ancient and of modern lore, 
Until they had in mind a store 
Of ready knowledge for their use. 
In public life or in recluse. 
And thus the current of their life, 
Rolled on with aspirations rife, 
Knlarg-ingf as it flowed along 
Throug"h sambre shades or realms of song* 
As every day poured in its cup. 
And every year its wealth gave up. 

The youths have now both reached an ag^e. 
When sober thoug-hts their minds engage. 
Concerning- that connubial state 
Which erstwhile they did contemplate. 

43 



At length they both begin to muse, 
Upon some strange but welcome news 
Which comes to them through faithful 

friends 
And Cupid's arrow through them sends. 

Silvanus : 

"Is what I hear an idle tale, 

That comes on some unfriendly gale 

To agitate my heart and mind 

Until I can no respite find? 

Or has some angel interposed. 

And all these thoughts to me proposed ? 

I learn by what some people say, 

That there resides not far awaj, 

A damsel of superior worth, 

Though of an humble country birth ; 

And whom true friends do recommend 

As one to whom I should extend. 

The friendly offer of my hand, 

Though why? I cannot understand. 

Somehow their story strikes me so, 

That I do feel inclined to go, 

44 



And see if they have told the truth 
About this damsel they call Ruth. 
But yet I will not be in haste 
The eup of deeper love to taste, 
For now I feel the burning- coal, 
Through all the regions of my soul, 
And if I see her now, I feel 
That love would all my senses steal. 
So then I'll wait till I regain 
The full possession of my brain. 
And till an opportunity 
Makes way for such a liberty." 

While he was thus in mind confused, 
Ruth also in her parlor mused : 

" 'Tis passing strange that what I hear 
Falls with such force upon my ear, 
And trills along on every nerve. 
Until it captures the reserve 
Which I have kept for only one, 
Who lives somewhere beneath the sua. 
I think Silvanus is the swain 

45 



For whom I've looked so long" in vain ; 
For never was my heart so swayed, 
Since I was in the cradle laid. 
Though I have never seen his face, 
Affection's arms doth him embrace. 
I wonder if its mysticism, 
Or weird and dreamy Occultism, 
That makes my heart to thus expand ? 
Or is it some g-ood ang^el hand, 
Impregnate with electric fire, 
Awaking in me this desire 
Toward one, a stranger yet to me. 
And whom, perhaps, I'll never see ? 
Begone, ye weird and mystic band ! 
I'm sure it is an angel's hand, 
For now I feel the holy touch, 
And know full well there is none such, 
Among your visionary crowd 
So motley and so bold and loud." 

Thus those two hearts in union beat 
And longed to each the other meet ; 
But something in between them stepped, 

46 



A dd in suspense they both were kept, 
Until the time the ang-el's set, 
When first the holy g-uardians met. 

The fall and winter passed away, 
And then the ang-els ope'd the way 
For those two loving- souls to meet, 
And to each other kindly g-reet. 
'Twas at a public meeting* place 
When first they saw each other's face. 
The anxious throng- from far and near 
Had come religious truths to hear. 
A faithful friend to both was there 
And took occasion, with great care. 
To introduce the waiting youth 
And make them feel that of a truth 
The other was a person who 
Was honest, upright, faithful, true. 
The angels, too, were there on hand, 
To see that what they wisely planned, 
Was executed with the skill. 
Which would their hearts with true love 
thrill. 

47 



The work was done : the two youths met, 

The way and time that long was set. 

With conduct graceful and polite, 

And faces flushing with delight, 

They kindly talked as friend to friend, 

And seemed to fully comprehend 

The meaning of the other's look, 

In which their hearts much pleasure took. 

This pleasant meeting though but brief, 

Was to their minds a great relief ; 

For what they heard was now evinced, 

And they were fully now convinced, 

That they had found the one to whom 

They could be bound as bride and groom. 

But while their minds in this reposed, 

Their separation soon disclosed 

New feelings of solicitude. 

Which called for stalwart fortitude. 

Silvanus : 

"I must confess," Silvanus mur.ed, 
'' That I am very much confused, 
And hardly know just what to do, 

48 



Or just what course I should pursue, 
Or how to vent plethoric thoug^hf, 
Concerning- one who is so fraug-ht 
With such attractive g-racefulness, 
And such a charming- loveliness. 
The streng-th I summoned for a shield, 
Doth now in sweet submission yield 
To Love, the rig-htful queen of earth, 
Whose peaceful, joyful, sacred birth 
In Kden's pure and happy state, 
Caused all the stars to celebrate. 
As far as Love's dominion g-oes, 
Peace, like a g-entle river, flows. 
And joys transporting- fill the soul, 
Because of hei* benig-n control ; 
For when this queen is on her throne, 
All strife and envy are unknown. 
Within my heart she sits as queen, 
With dig-nified and g-raceful mien, 
And I do feel the blissful thrill, 
Of her benig-nant sov'reig-n will. 
She bids me, Ruth, at once to woo, 

49 



And at the court of Hymen sue 
For full possession of her heart 
And this important courtship start. 
But how shall I beg-in this case ? 
By letter, friend, or face to face ? 
By letter, says a voice within, 
Is just the way you should beg-in. 
A letter, then, I'll quickly send, 
And my respects to her extend." 

Ruth : 

^'Somehow," mused Ruth, "I can't refrain 

From thinking- of that lovely swain, 

With whom I met some time ag-o, 

And whom I hope to better know. 

If I were only loved by him. 

My eyes in tears of joy \NOuld swim, 

My heart would thrill with pure delig^ht. 

And 1 could rest in peace at nig-ht. 

I never loved as I do now, 

And never shall ag-ain I vow. 

Silvanus is my only choice, 

And with his love I could rejoice 

50 



In any circumstance of life, 

If I could only be his wife. 

His manly form and pleasant face, 

His winsome ways and gentle g-race. 

And most of all his christian zeal, 

Doth like celestial magic steal 

Through every recess of my heart, 

With richest blessings to impart. 

Silvanus I almost adore — 

But hark ! Some one is at the door. " 

She quickly smoothed her glossy hair, 
And soon regained her graceful air, 
Then gently walked across the floor, 
And met her father at the door, 
Who just had comt from Pleasantvale, 
And brought their semi-weekly mail. 
The fam'ly gathered round to see, 
And each one asked : Is it for me ? 
" This letter i?," he said, " for Ruth, 
Mailed at the little town of Booth, 
And I suspect some youth up there. 
Of winsome way and taking air, 

51 



And conversation smooth and bland, 

Thinks he can win her heart and hand. " 

Ruth took the letter, and with speed, 

Ran to her room and did it read 

With sweetly tinted blushing" face, 

That stole the roses from their vase. 

With throbbing- heart she then beg"an, 

And read the letter o'er ag-ain, 

And as she folded up the sheet, 

She said : '• My joy is now complete. 

How g-lad I feel ! Yet strang-e indeed ! 

My feeling's and my thoug"hts exceed 

The power of my tong-ue to tell, 

The joy that doth my bosom swell. 

Yes, he has touched the living key 

Of interchanging- harmony, 

And I will answer him to-nig-ht, 

And fill his soul with sweet delig-ht. 

' Praise God from whom all blessing-s flow, 

Praise him all creatures here below.' " 

That nig-ht Silvanus, so depressed 
That he could neither sleep nor rest, 

52" 



Beg-an to thus soliloquize, 

With throbbing- heart aud wakeful eyes : 

Silvanus : 

^' My mind, to-nig^ht, is much annoyed 

With doubts that I cannot avoid ; 

For love, while kept in dread suspense, 

Most takes away a person's sense. 

What if my love should be in vain, 

And she should treat it with disdain, 

Or if, perchance, some other youth, 

Has won the loving- heart of Ruth ? 

Oh how these thoug-hts perplex my mind, 

And how the eyes of hope they blind ! 

The g-leams of moonlig-ht g-ently fall, 

In silver sheen upon the wall. 

The g-entle zephyr sweetly sing-s, 

And with her frag-rant laden wing-s, 

Attempts to drive away the g-loom, 

Of dismal shadows from my room ; 

But yet to me no comfort comes. 

Because grave doubts do beat their drums, 

Whose loud and long- sonorous tones. 



Sound like a dying- culprit's groans. 
Oh, g-entle zephyr, 'tis in vain 
For you to try to ease my pain. 
Or to relieve me from the blues, 
Unless from Ruth you bring- g-ood news. 
Oh could I hear from her to-nig-ht, 
And did our hearts in love unite. 
My heart would beat a double quick, 
And with increasing- gladness tick 
This long- and gloomy night away. 
And muster in the welcome day ! 
But news, so soon, I can't expect, 
And so must wait a while perplext. 
True love's a passion of the soul, 
Which mortal man cannot control. 
E'n Sampson with his mighty arm. 
Could not resist her Siren charm. 
She sits upon her g-olden throne, 
And all around are trophies strewn 
From both our earthly hemispheres. 
Which she retains as souvenirs 
Of presents which she has received, 

54 



And victories by her achieved. 
She conquers, not by force of arms, 
But by her strong- and graceful charms. 
All nations worship at her shrine, 
And king-s to her their thrones resign. 
The rich, the poor, the wise and g*reat. 
As willing courtiers on her wait, 
For she's a benefactress kind. 
Which God hath g-iven to mankind. 
True love is nature's balance wheel, 
The fountain ot domestic weal. 
The sure preventive of divorce, 
The source of social intercourse. 
Of peace, good will and harmony, 
And friendly reciprocity." 

And thus he mused away the hours. 

Until the radiating- show'rs 

Of morning's dawn had drowned the night, 

And drenched the earth with floods of light; 

But yet his troubles were not drowned 

Until the next day rolled around, 

And then the looked for letter came 

55 



Which set his heart with joy aflame. 
With trembling- hands and dizzy head, 
He opened it and quickly read 
A messag-e that dispelled his g-loom 
And drove the shadows from his room. 
Then all his doubts in g-reat dismay 
And wild disorder fled away. 
His mental clouds, so dark and weird, 
Before his vision disappeared, 
And he, with wonder and surprise, 
Looked round upon the earth and skies, 
And then exclaimed; "The scene has 

changed, 
Or else my senses are derang-ed ! 
The sky has chang-ed its lurid hue, 
And now bring-s out its native blue ; 
The verdant landscape looks serene. 
And so doth all the wondrous scene. 
The fiends, which last nig-hton me frowned, 
Are in the Styg-ian river drowned. 
* Praise God from whom all blessing's flow. 
Praise him all creatures here below.' '' 

56 



The courtship suit was now beg-un ; 

And like the blazing- morning sun, 

Rejoicing to begin his race 

Through regions of celestial space, 

And feeling sure that he will win, 

And take the prize with pleasure in, 

So young Silvanus with a zeal 

That blazed and flamed with hopeful weal, 

Pressed hard his suit at Hymen's court, 

Where he was now in good report. 

The suit went on in proper style, 
And weeks and months in single file 
Brought round to them in golden cup, 
From which they both as one did sup, 
l^he pleasures of their courtship life 
Without a single drop of strife. 
Together they were often found, 
As time, its cycles rolled around. 
And often talked of that glad day, 
When in the coming month of May. 
They were at Hymen's court to bow. 
And seal their happy marriage vow. 

57 



Their future plans were also laid, 
And all their future prospects weighed, 
Which prophesied a future brig-ht, 
As far as went their human sig-ht. 
But yet, should disappointments come. 
With sword and shield, and fife and drum, 
And in aheartless manner slay 
These prospects in an hour or day, 
They both agreed that Love would stand, 
And bid defiance to the band, 
And o'er their lifeless bodies tread, 
To other prospects yet ahead. 

The Summer, with her glowing smile. 

Departed slowly for a while. 

With perfumed robes and fragrant mouth. 

Far down into the sunny south ; 

But ere she went she left behind. 

Rich blessings of a varied kind. 

Then Autumn, with his golden fruit. 

And nicely fitting yellow suit, 

Stepped out of his abiding place. 

And took the earth in his embrace, 

68 



Filled all her barns with ripened graiti, 
And then, with hope, went home ag-ain, 
That Winter, with his snow and ice, 
Mig-ht come and raise the market price. 
Old Winter came with cold profuse, 
And long- white beard and snowy shoes, 
And polar g-arments round him drawn, 
And with a mig-hty g-iant's brawn, 
Spread forth his blessing's o'er the land, 
With open and with lavish hand, 
Tog-ether with some want andg-rief 
For charity to find relief; 
And then, with praises and some blame, 
Returned ag-ain from whence he came, 
To let a Maid from warmer climes. 
Come forth with her enchanting- chimes, 
To wake the cold and sleeping- earth, 
And call it to a nobler birth . 
Then lovely Spring, with rosy crown. 
And g-reen and flowing velvet g-own. 
With wreathes of flowers wrapped ar und. 
Stepped out upon the barren ground 

59 



From her ambrosial palace hall, 
Where winter tieyer comes at all, 
And spread her mantle o'er the earth, 
And poured her oil into its dearth, 
Until it looked like paradise 
Before the blight of sin and vice . 
She seemed to take some special pains 
With her already g-orgeous trains. 
In view of that glad wedding- day. 
Set for the fiow'ry month of May; 
For she delights to do her best. 
In north or south, or east or west, 
For all who set their marriage day, 
In either April or in May. 

The wedding day soon rolled around. 
And there was heard the joyful sound 
Of happ3^ voices in the trees. 
And happy voices in the breeze, 
And fast approaching buggy wheels, 
Almost upon the horses' heels. 
And nimble footmen coming near. 
With anxious ears attuned to hear, 

60 



The verdict of the suit at court, 

Which Hymen was to soon report. 

The happy couple now inside — 

Silvanus and his coming bride — 

Were ready for the welcome hour, 

To hear the voice of legal pow'r, 

Approve what nature had decreed. 

And they, themselves, had long agreed. 

The friends of both were soon within. 

And soon the verdict did begin, 

(Which all agreed was just and right, ) 

That this young couple should unite. 

As husband true and faithful wife. 

Throughout their earthly term of life. 

The bride and groom with cheerful grace, 

Sat down at the appointed place. 

Beneath an arch of flowers gay. 

And looked more happy than the day. 

Congratulations were profuse. 

And presents for their future use; 

And all w^ere happy as the spring. 

And made the cozv farm house ring. 



With instrumental music rare, 

And vocal strains which rent the air * 

The g-uardian ang-els too, were there, 

Invisible to all as air, 

And with ecstatic voices sang-. 

Which to the arch of heaven rang- : 

"Praise God from whom all blessing-s flow; 

Praise Him all creatures here below; 

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; 

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost." 




62 



